This offseason, our New Orleans
Pelicans coverage team has ranked the top 10 players on the roster. We'll
unveil the list every weekday as we count down to training camp.

There were tough decisions, particularly with the new additions to the team. So
let the debate begin.

No. 5: PF Ryan Anderson

Season: 6; Age: 25; Height: 6-10; Weight: 240

It would be hard to consider the Pelicans' total firepower
this season without the defense-stretching capabilities of Ryan Anderson on the
wing. Anderson opens to many possibilities for the Pelicans on the offensive
end with his 3-point shooting ability. He was second in the NBA last season in
3-point shots attempted, launching 557 and converting 38 percent of those.

When Anderson is making shots from the outside, it can open
up the lane for Pelicans' guard to penetrate and finish at the basket or drive
and dish. With the additions of speedy guards Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans,
with Anderson on the floor it gives the Pelicans a powerful dimension worth
exploiting.

What's sometimes overlooked about Anderson is his
willingness to mix it up underneath. He's not afraid to tangle with bulkier
forwards or centers for rebounds, a trait sometimes missing in such a pure shooter.